For the first time in years, Washinkai decided to hold a weekend summer gasshuku at our Lydd, Kent club instead of the usual four day summer course at Milton Abbey School, Dorset.
What a good decision we made!
Hosted by Sensei Chris Wateridge, 6th Dan, and held at the Lydd Community Centre, we had the largest attendance in years. Clubs which were represented came from Norway, Andover, Canons, South Mitcham, Tadworth, Chichester, Dover, Hawkinge, Marsh Academy as well as Lydd.
The course started at 1030 am. Luckily the weather was beautiful for both days and food and refreshments were provided for everybody.
After training on Saturday afternoon and before the Dan gradings started, Shihan Thompson awarded the grades of 7th Dan to Alison Thompson, 7th Dan to Annette Turpin and 8th Dan to Professor Geir Store.
This was followed by Dan gradings of Estela Acharya Lopez, Vijithan Sivalingam and Sidney Aldridge taking Shodan, and Paul Westron and Mike Aldridge taking Sandan. All were successful.
That evening Chris Wateridge organised a meal for everybody at the Ship Inn, New Romney. A lot of tired but excited karate-ka turned up for a well deserved meal.
On Sunday, the day started again at 1030, with a lot more attendees arriving who couldn't make Saturday's training. All aspects of karate training were covered and by 3 pm the Gasshuku ended.
As always, everybody wanted to know when and where the next Summer Gasshuku would take place. Dover Club may host it next year, or it may return to Lydd. However a lot of Club Instructors stated that they would like to host it. We will wait and see! A very successful 2024 Summer Gasshuku!
